Effect of dietary inclusion of Moringa oleifera foliage on nutrient metabolism, metabolic profile, immunity and growth performance of goat kids

The objective of present study was to ascertain the effect of dietary inclusion of moringa foliage on the performance of kids. Eighteen male kids were divided randomly into 3 groups and allocated to control (CON), COT and MOT groups. The kids in CON group fed with total mixed ration (TMR) consisting wheat straw and concentrate, however, kids in COT and MOT groups were offered TMRs replacing 25% wheat straw with cowpea and moringa foliage, respectively. The responses of various parameters were studied during 120 days of feeding. Intake of dry-matter (DM) and organic-matter (OM) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in MOT relative to CON and COT groups; however, digestibility of various nutrients was comparable among treatment groups. Intake of digestible crude protein (DCP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) was higher (p < 0.05) in MOT than CON. The intake and retention (gd⁻¹) of nitrogen (N) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in MOT than COT and CON groups. The average daily gain (ADG, gd⁻¹) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in MOT followed by COT and CON groups. Similarly, feed conversion ratio (FCR) was better (p < 0.05) in MOT and COT groups than CON. Haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)were analogous amongst treatments. Serum glucose, total protein and globulin were found to be significantly higher in MOT and COT groups. The cholesterol and serum urea were decreased in MOT in comparison to CON. Serum growth hormone (GH), triiodothyronine (T₃),thyroxine(T₄) and cell mediated and humoral immune responses were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in MOT followed by COT and CON groups. Total antioxidant capacity was also found to be higher (p < 0.05) in MOT and COT groups. Dietary inclusion of moringa foliage as TMR substantially increased nutrient intake, metabolic profile, immunity and growth performance in goat kids.